Loughgall 0 - 3 Dundela

Loughgall suffered to a Boxing Day hangover as they slumped to a three goal defeat at the hands of Steel and Sons winners Dundela.
The Villagers were forced to make two changes from the Bob Radcliffe winning side due to injuries with Bryan Pentland replacing Glenn Waddell at left back while Ray Fitzpatrick came in for Dean Smith up front.
Home striker Matthew Burrows tested ‘keeper Marc Robinson on 2 minutes with a low drive inside the box.  After 8 minutes Loughgall had their first sniff at goal however Andy Brown’s sidefoot from the edge of the area was tame and easily collect by ‘keeper James Taylor.
The Villagers had a number of good opportunities half way through the first period with Ryan Moffatt chipping ‘keeper Taylor, however, his effort sailed over the crossbar.  Marty Lavery delivered a cross into the box which fell to Brian Adair, but the midfielder shot wide with his left foot.
On 28 minutes Dundela winger David Officer hit a strong drive that ‘keeper Robinson did well to save.  After 35 minutes Burrows and David Murphy combined and Murphy hit a powerful shot that was excellently parried by Robinson in the away goals.
One minute later Burrows collected the ball from the left wing and did well to cut inside but his effort was straight at ‘keeper Robinson.
Four minutes after the interval Dundela had their best chance to score in the game when Burrows crossed to the back post and Officer connected, however ‘keeper Robinson did excellently to save from point blank range.
Loughgall were still creating chances and on 51 minutes Ryan Moffatt went close when he cut inside from the right onto his favoured left, however, he saw his shot saved by the impressive Taylor.  Two minutes later Marty Lavery pounced on a poor clearance and shot towards the top corner however ‘keeper Taylor did well to save to his left.
The home side opened the scoring on the hour mark when a scramble in the goal mouth following a set piece fell kindly to Scott Murray.  The defenders snapshot weaved its way through a number of legs before nestling in the back of Loughgall’s goals.
On 70 minutes Dundela doubled their advantage in similar though more fortunate fashion to the first goal.  It was Burrows this time who shot goalwards however his effort hit a big deflection before going into the other corner of the Loughgall goal.
With 7 minutes remaining the best opportunity the visitors could create was Adair’s half volley on the edge of the penalty area however ‘keeper Taylor was well positioned to make the save.
Dundela completed the victory with 4 minutes remaining with a goal of the highest quality.  Officer on the left wing whipped in a tremendous cross which Burrows was able to steer in off the post to score his 40th goal of the season.
On 88 minutes Moffatts corner was delivered to the back post where Darragh Peden had risen highest to head home however referee Michael McLaughlin adjudged there had been pushing in the penalty area.
In injury time Burrows had a tremendous opportunity to complete his hat trick however he hit wide when well positioned.

Loughgall: M Robinson, Alderdice (Beck 76m), Pentland, Peden, Murphy, Herron (A Smith 56m), Moffatt, Adair, Brown, Fitzpatrick (Dickson 62m), Lavery.  Subs not used: N Robinson, Allen.

Dundela: Taylor, Walker, Hylands, Alexander, Murray, Parker, Murphy (Kerr 74m), Gourley (Marsh 53m), Burrows, McIlroy, Officer.  Subs not used: Miskelly, Hill, Mannus.

Referee: Michael McLaughlin (Belfast)